You probably recognize him from that one catchy song that played everywhere in 2014, or maybe you remember him as the kid trying to survive a home invasion in a neon-drenched horror flick. Tony Oller is one of those actors who seemed to be on the verge of becoming a massive A-list star before pivoting in a way most Hollywood types just don't. It’s a wild trajectory. From Disney Channel shorts to the lead singer of MKTO, the list of Tony Oller movies and tv shows isn't just a filmography—it’s a time capsule of late-2000s and early-2010s pop culture.
Honestly, the guy has range. Most people forget he was actually a child prodigy on Star Search way back in the day. He didn't just stumble into acting; he grinded through over 250 auditions before landing his breakout. If you’re trying to track down where you’ve seen him, or you're wondering if he's still acting in 2026, here’s the real breakdown of his career highlights and the deep cuts.
The Disney and TeenNick Origins
Before he was a pop star, Tony was the face of As the Bell Rings. If you weren't watching Disney Channel in 2007, this was a series of short-form episodes that took place entirely in a school hallway. It sounds limited, but it was a massive deal for him. He played Danny Neilson, the charming, slightly awkward lead who spent most of his time trying to impress his classmates.
What’s interesting about this era is that he actually worked alongside a pre-stardom Demi Lovato. You can still find clips of them singing duets together. It was the first real proof that he had the "double threat" thing going on—acting and singing.
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Then came Gigantic on TeenNick in 2010. This show was basically a teen version of Entourage, following kids of Hollywood royalty. Tony played Walt Moore, a guy just trying to be a normal musician while surrounded by the chaos of fame. While the show only lasted one season, it changed everything for him. Why? Because that’s where he met Malcolm David Kelley. If that name sounds familiar, he was Walt on Lost. The two of them hit it off so well that they decided to form a band. That band, of course, became MKTO.
Crossing Into Horror: The Purge and Beyond
While the music was taking off, Tony Oller didn't leave the screen behind. He actually took a hard pivot into some pretty dark material.
The Purge (2013)
This is the big one. Most people looking for Tony Oller movies find this first. He played Henry, the boyfriend who sneaks into the Sandin house right before the annual "Purge" begins. It’s a tense, pivotal role. He wasn't just a background extra; he was the catalyst for a lot of the internal drama in that house. Working with Ethan Hawke and Lena Headey really leveled up his credibility as a serious actor, proving he could handle the intensity of a R-rated thriller.
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Beneath the Darkness (2011)
Before The Purge, he starred in this creepy indie thriller alongside Dennis Quaid. He played Travis, a high schooler who suspects his neighbor is a serial killer. It’s a bit of a cult classic now for fans of "suburban horror." It showed he had the "final boy" energy long before it was a trendy trope.
The Full List of Tony Oller Movies and TV Shows
If you’re doing a marathon, here is the factual record of his main appearances. You’ll notice a gap in the mid-2010s where MKTO basically took over his entire life.
- As the Bell Rings (2007–2009): The Disney Channel start. 30 episodes of hallway hijinks.
- Unanswered Prayers (2010): A Lifetime movie based on the Garth Brooks song. He played Jesse Beck.
- Gigantic (2010–2011): The TeenNick series that birthed his music career.
- Field of Vision (2011): An NBC TV movie where he played a high school football star dealing with a moral dilemma.
- CSI: NY (2011): He guest-starred in the episode "Crossroads" as a character named Nicholas.
- Beneath the Darkness (2011): Leading man status in a theatrical horror film.
- The Purge (2013): His most commercially successful film role to date.
- The Thundermans (2014): He appeared as himself (alongside Malcolm) in a fun crossover during the peak of MKTO’s "Classic" fame.
- Relationship Status (2016): A digital series on the Go90 app that explored modern dating. He played Ian.
Why the Acting Stopped (Mostly)
A lot of fans ask why he hasn't been in a major movie in years. It wasn't because he "failed" at acting. It was the opposite. MKTO became a global phenomenon. "Classic" has over a billion streams. When you have a song that big, you spend three years on a tour bus, not in a film studio.
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He did make a brief return to acting with projects like Relationship Status, but by 2021, Tony was focusing more on his personal growth and independent music. He’s been very open about the toll the industry takes on your mental health. He didn't want to be a "product" anymore. He wanted to be an artist.
Where is Tony Oller in 2026?
As of 2026, Tony has shifted into a more low-key, "creator" phase of his career. While he hasn't signed on for a massive Marvel-sized blockbuster lately, he’s active in the indie scene and heavily involved in music production. He often shares updates on social media about songwriting and occasional voice work.
The interesting thing about his legacy is how well his early work holds up. The Purge is now a massive franchise, and Gigantic has become a "lost gem" for Gen Z nostalgia.
If you're looking to dive back into his work, start with The Purge for the thrill and then track down the old episodes of As the Bell Rings on YouTube for the pure 2000s vibes. You can also see his more recent artistic side through his independent music releases, which lean a bit more "alt-pop" than the radio-friendly MKTO sound.
Actionable Next Steps
- Watch: Check out The Purge on streaming services like Peacock or Max to see his most intense performance.
- Listen: Find his solo work on Spotify or Apple Music to hear how his voice has matured since his Disney days.
- Follow: Look for his verified Instagram or TikTok for updates on his latest indie projects, as he often announces new roles or music there first.